A bipartisan delegation of six senators, led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, is set to embark on a trip to China next week. This visit is part of a series of high-level visits by U.S. officials to Beijing in recent months. The delegation's main objective is to hold meetings with Chinese government and business leaders to discuss a range of contentious issues that have strained relations between the two countries.

One of the key topics that the senators plan to address is human rights violations, particularly China's crackdown on ethnic minorities. They also intend to raise concerns about China's role as the primary source of fentanyl and fentanyl-related products that have contributed to the opioid epidemic in the United States.

In addition to these pressing issues, the senators will also discuss global competition, China's unfair business and trade practices, Beijing's role in the international community, and potential areas for cooperation. The trip, which was reported last month, will take place during a weeklong Senate recess and will include stops in Japan and South Korea.

This visit comes at a critical moment in the U.S.-China relationship, as the Biden administration seeks to reduce reliance on China and limit its access to advanced technology that could bolster its military ambitions. President Biden has already sent several high-ranking officials, including Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, to meet with Chinese leaders in an effort to mend fraying relations.

However, the Senate delegation finds itself straddling the same divide as they attempt to engage with Chinese leaders while also supporting the Biden administration's push for a tougher stance on China. Senator Michael D. Crapo of Idaho, the lead Republican on the trip, has expressed interest in meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He also plans to question Chinese leaders about the country's investigation of Micron Technology, a semiconductor firm based in Idaho.

The senators joining Crapo on the trip include Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy of Louisiana, both Republicans, and Senators Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Jon Ossoff of Georgia, who are Democrats.

Schumer's office emphasized that the purpose of the trip is to advance U.S. economic and national security interests in the region. The delegation plans to meet with government leaders, business leaders, and representatives from U.S. companies operating in China, Japan, and South Korea. Schumer will focus on advocating for reciprocal treatment of U.S. businesses in China to level the playing field for American workers and maintaining U.S. leadership in advanced technologies for national security.

The Chinese Embassy declined to comment on the planned trip, while Commerce Secretary Raimondo has previously highlighted concerns raised by U.S. companies about doing business in China. She noted that fines, raids, and other actions have made China an “uninvestable” market, calling for action to address these challenges.

Overall, this upcoming visit by the Senate delegation underscores the complexities and tensions in the U.S.-China relationship, as officials navigate between engagement and a tougher stance on issues ranging from human rights to economic competition and national security.